Occlusolators



Oct. 16, 1962 s, JQFFE 3,058,217

OCCLUSOLATORS Filed May 25, 1959 FIG. 8.

. INVENTOR.

\ SEYMOUQ 1.. uOFFE,

3,658,217 GQCLUSQLATGRS Seymour L. Jofie, 2480 15th St. NW. (Dorchester House), Washington, D.C. Filed May 25, 1959, Ser. No. 815,586 12 Qiaims. (Qt. 3219) This invention relates to occlusolators for the purpose of drawing a Gothic arch trace of the motion of a lower human jaw, which trace may be interpreted by a dentist for the purpose of ascertaining and/or correcting occlusal conditions in a patients mouth.

In general, my present invention constitutes an improvement and carrying forward of the objects of my prior patent, No. 2,863,261, issued December 9, 1958, which patent was issued jointly in the names of Irving S. Lichtman and Seymour L. Joffe. The present invention, however, is sole.

The general objects of the invention are as noted in my prior patent and may be briefly described as the provision of a device for studying anatomical articulation or balanced occlusion for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of occlusal trauma and correcting same.

The present invention carries forward and improves upon the mechanical arrangement and coaction between the clamps and the matrices and has, for one of its objects, the rendering more convenient and somewhat simpler the procedure for setting up the combination of the clamps and the matrices. Such simplification reduces the degree of training, skill and experience which a dentist or technician must have in order to properly apply the device and use it.

A further object of the present invention is to insure parallelism of the clamps toa greater degree than was possible with the structure of the prior patent.

An additional object of the invention is to provide means'for more accurate mounting of the clamps and matrices, and particularly the avoidance of loose mounting.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a construction which not only expedites the mounting of the instrument, but also effects a neater and more effective final structure by virtue of providing a guide for grinding of the matrices so as to eliminate the necessity for judgment as to where the grinding is to stop.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a construction wherein the matrices are reinforced with initially stronger, preformed plastic elements.

Other objects and features of my invention will be apparent from the description to follow.

Briefly, my invention comprises the use of a pair of clamps generally similar to the clamps shown in the aforementioned patent, at least in function, being particularly shaped so as to hold a series of plastic channel elements. Such plastic channel elements are applied to the arms of the clamp, thus achieving a tongue and slot connection, being readily slid onto the arms by virtue of the channel openings within the elements, the webs of the channels facing inwardly of the clamp, toward each other. Such channel elements become an integral portion of the matrices. Thus, the matrices preferably formed on the models of teeth of the patient in situ are of self-curing plastic, while the channel elements are of a preformed, completely cured, relatively rigid plastic, which is compatible with the self-curing plastic and can adhere integrally thereto. By applying the self-curing matrices to the casts or models of the patients mouth and thereafter applying the clamps with the channel elements in place thereon to the matrices on the casts, an adhering function between the two types of plastic is formed and in a matter of a few minutes permanent integration or adhesion of the elements of the plastic channel elements with 3,058,217 Patented Oct. 16, 1962 the matrices is effected whereby such channel elements become part and parcel of the matrices. Such a com- 'bination results in parallelism of the clamps because of the relatively large area of the channels which have a smooth, sliding fit on the clamp arms with no looseness. Thus, the complete matrices as carried by the arms cannot possibly wobble with respect to the arms, nor have any other kind of relative play. Further, the skill and care with which the combining of the clamps with the matrices is achieved are not as great as required in the prior patent when the clamps had to form their own grooves by being pushed directly into the setting matrices carried on the models of the patients teeth and gums with attendant danger of loosening as the plastic hardened. Inasmuch as the channel elements are of an initially formed material, they are substantially stronger than the selfsetting material and thus the matrices, as a combination of the two, are considerably stronger and the groove in the channels has a permanent fixed width not subject to loosening.

A further advantage is found in the use of channel elements of a color contrasting with the self-setting matrix material. This follows from the fact that after the matrices are formed, the lower portions thereof must be ground away in order to fully clear the teeth, or at least the promontories and cusps of the teeth which must remain exposed for occlusal tests and correction. The grinding away of the material of the matrices, in the case of the prior patent, when accomplished carelessly sometimes resulted in grinding right into the groove of the matrices formed by the clamp arms. Thus, the matrices were destroyed. However, by virtue of the use of a channel element the limit of grinding is clearly demarcated, grinding simply being carried forward up to the point where the face of the channel is exposed. Where the channel is of a contrasting color it is, of course, very obvious to the operator that grinding is to cease when it has been carried to the point that the channel surfaces are visible.

Certain accessory elements are added to the present invention, for example, rods, which may be attached to the clamps, for the purpose of holding various dental apparatus such as a hinge axis locator; a maxillary cast mounting jig to mount same in proper anatomical relationship on an anatomical articulator. An additional accessory readily added to the present invention is an indexing element which may be applied to the marking plate for serving as a guide to adjust the jaws of the patient to any predetermined relationship to effect intermaxillary recording.

A detailed description of my invention will now begiven in conjunction with the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation showing the occlusolator of the present invention in place in a patients mouth.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one of the clamps showing the channel elements in place.

FIG. 3 is a section through 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a section through 44 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a section similar to FIG. 4, but showing the finished form of the matrix .after grinding.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the lower jaw of a patient showing the clamp and matrix in place with respect thereto.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an indexing or setting device for predetermining the position of the stylus of the upper clamp with respect to the marking plate of the lower clamp to produce a desired jaw relationship.

FIG. 8 is an elevation in section showing another type of tongue and slot connection between the clamp arm and a reinforcement.

Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6, the invention comprises an upper clamp element and a lower clamp element 15, wherein said clamp elements are for the purpose of clamping individual matrices such as 20 and 24 against the patients teeth to secure the individual teeth so as to preclude lateral displacement and undue depression in their sockets. In effect, the matrices serve as splints to maintain the teeth relatively stationary with respect to each other and at the same time they serve as adapters so that the clamps are secured without any wobble or looseness to the respective jaws in order to effect an accurate tracing of the stylus point 28 on the marking plate 32. The clamps are substantially of identical structure, albeit mirror images of each other. Thus, the upper clamp 10 is provided with arms 36, which arms are pivoted at 40 in a conventional manner by means of superimposed hubs 42, as shown, and are provided with lugs 44 for holding set screw 48 by which the two arms may be moved back and forth with respect to each other for clamping and unclamping purposes.

The hubs are secured together by means of a force-fit around a collar or sleeve 52 integral with a securing disk 55, which force-fit is sufiicient to maintain the hubs on the sleeves, but not so tight as to prevent pivoting of the hubs with respect to the sleeve. The outer end of the sleeve may, of course, be peened to give a rivetlike holding efiect within the hub. The inside of the sleeve is threaded to take .a screw 56 at the lower end of which is the stylus 28. A lock nut 60 is utilized so that the stylus may be fixed in position.

The construction and arrangement of the lower clamp is the same except that a screw 64 is utilized for hold-' ing the marking plate 32. A look nut 66 is utilized for holding the plate at any desired setting with respect to the clamp.

It will be noted that rods, such as 69 and 72, are threadedly attached to respective disks 55. Such rods are of an accessory nature and may be attached or detached from their respective disks. Their use and function will be described in detail subsequently, save to say at this time that the particular firm gripping and accurately aligned occlusolator described in this instance is admirably well suited for use with other dental testing and determining apparatus to be carried by the rods. Of course, insofar as the function of the invention purely as an occlusolator is concerned, the rods may be detached inasmuch as they do not form part of the occlusol testing and study which is the primary purpose of the invention.

As in the aforementioned patent, the material of the matrices is an air-hardening or self-curing type of plastic of any known commercial types, such .as the acrylic resins.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be noted that the arms 36 have applied thereto certain preformed channel elements 75. It will also be noted that the arms of the clamp consist of straight runs .angularly related to each other to approximate the dental arch. Thus, by providing straight segments of the arms, the preformed channel elements, which may be readily machined or extruded of acrylic resins or other plastics compatible with the material of the matrices, may be readily and snugly applied to the arms as clearly indicated in FIG. 3. It will be noted from FIG. 3 that the web of the channels faces inwardly, and it will be understood that the channels have a smooth, sliding fit on the respective arm segments so as to virtually cover the arm segments at such portions of the arms as supportingly engage the matrices. Thus, after the matrices have been formed on the models, the upper and lower clamps are applied thereto, precisely as in the aforementioned patent, except that, in this instance, the arms of the clamp do not engage the self-curing matrices, but merely force the respective channels 75 thereinto. The material of the channels adheres permanently to the material of the matrices, and within a few minutes a composite integral structure is thus formed as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, it will be seen that it is not possible for any shrinkage or non-uniform tensioning due to shrinkage of the matrices 20 and 24, as they harden, to produce any loose fit with the arms 36. The matrices are securely bonded to the channels and the channels are smoothly fitted to the arms, whence no play between matrices and arms is possible.

As soon as it is feasible to remove the clamps, with the adhering matrices, from the models, and upon sufiicient hardening of the matrices, the material thereof, as indicated by the distance d of FIG. 4, may then be ground away up to the surface or area where the channel 75 becomes visible as shown in FIG. 5.

By making the channels of a color which contrasts with the color of the matrices, the visibility, upon exposure, of the channels is extremely obvious, and the operator then knows that grinding is to cease. There is no danger of grinding to a point where the grinding wheel cuts directly into the groove into which the arm 36 fits, which sometimes occurred in the arrangement of the prior patent. It will be appreciated that the dimensions shown in the drawing are exaggerated for clarity, and that the actual dimensions used are much smaller, so that unless considerable care is taken, it is possible to destroy the matrices by over grinding.

Upon study of FIG. 6, it will be noted that the lower clamp is well fitted to the embrasures of the lower jaw and that the exposed surface of the channels and the two matrices are flat and neat in appearance. By comparison with FIG. 5, it will be seen that the teeth are completely cleared so that there is no possibility of interference due to contacting portions of the matrices between the upper and lower jaws. Also by noting the relationship of the channel elements 75, it will be seen that each side of the jaw meets with substantially line contact, and thus, for all practical purposes, there is no gap Within the respective matrices into which the channels do not fit. Normally, four channel sections are used, two at each side of the jaw, as shown in FIG. 6, which may be compared with FIG. 2 for further illustration. The forward channels, as will be noted from FIG. 6, extend intofairly close proximity with each other, and for all practical purposes, right up to the end of the respective matrices at their forward point, although, of course, some spacing here is acceptable inasmuch as the remaining length of the channels firmly adheres to the matrices and secures the matrices without looseness to the respective clamp arms.

While I prefer to use channel element such as 75, it will be appreciated that simple flat or T-shaped pieces 75' could be utilized as shown in FIG. 8, having tongues which slide into slots or grooves which are provided in the edges of arms 36'.

Referring now to the function of the rods 69 and 72 when in place, the rod 69 is primarily for the purpose of having secured thereto a maxillary cast mounting jig, while the rod 72 is primarily for the purpose of securing thereto a hinge axis locator. The occlusolator structure is extraordinarily well adapted for holding the above apparatus because of the fact that such apparatus is secured directly to the jaws, whereas previous modes of applying such apparatus to the jaws required the insertion of an element such as between the jaws. The existence of such an element between the jaws is less desirable for the reason that it encroaches on the interocclusal space, i.e., the area in which opposing teeth normally meet.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a very simple mode of reproducing a desired positioning of the upper and lower jaws with respect to each other is illustrated. Thus, a small plastic or metal tongue may be secured as by a set screw 84 passing through a bore in plate 32, which set screw is adjustably accommodated within a slot 87 of tongue 80. An aperture 90 is provided at the end of the tongue in which the stylus point 28 may be set. It will be apparent that the tongue 80 may be adjustably positioned so as to bring the aperture 90 at any desired point on plate 32 inasmuch as the tongue can translate or pivot with respect to the set screw 84. Accordingly, any predetermined position of the jaws may be achieved. Here, again, the occlusolator, which is the primary invention herein, is well adapted for an accessory such as the tongue 80, because of the fact that only the slightest change is required, namely, the boring and threading of a hole within the plate 32, to take the screw 84. Inasmuch as the plate 32 is adjustable by virtue of the screw which carries it, in the present invention, it will be apparent that an infinite variety of relative jaw positionings are possible.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating a modified form of tongue and slot connection between the preformed channel element 75 and an arm of the clamp 36'. Thus, in this instance, the preformed element is T-shaped in cross-section, the leg of the T fitting into a groove provided in the inner edge of the arm.

Having thus described my invention, I am aware that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and, accordingly, I do not seek to be limited to the precise illustration herein given except as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A method of preparing a dental device which comprises preparing and applying self-curing plastic matrices to models of the gums and teeth for forming a cast of the embrasures thereof; applying preformed channels of reinforcing material to the arms of a clamp; pressing said channels into said matrices while on said arms to adhere thereto while said matrices are curing, and removing said clamp with said matrices and channels in place thereon.

2. In a dental occlusolator, a clamp comprising an elongated arm element and a matrix reinforcement element attached to and extending along at least a portion of the inner edge of said arm element, said elements having interfitting means extending in the direction of the length of said arm element whereby said elements may be attached to each other by relative edgewise movement therebetween in the same plane.

3. In a dental occlusolator, a clamp comprising a pair of elongated arm elements, substantially co-planar, and means for pivotally securing said elements to each other, each of said arm elements having a matrix reinforcement element attached to and extending along at least a portion of the inner edge of said arm element, said elements having inter-fitting means extending in the direction of the length of said arm element whereby each arm element and the respective reinforcement element may be attached to each other by relative edgewise movement therebetween in the same plane.

4. In a dental occlusolator, two pairs of elongated arm elements, each pair being co-planar and means for pivotally securing said arm elements of each pair to each other, said pairs being in planes spaced from each other and means for efiecting adjustment of the spacing between said pairs, each of said arm elements having a matrix reinforcement element attached to and extending along at least a portion of the inner edge of said arm element, said elements having inter-fitting means extending in the direction of the length of said arm element whereby said elements may be attached to each other by relative edgewise movement therebetween in the same plane.

5. A device of the class described comprising an elongated arm element and a matrix reinforcement element attachable thereto, said reinforcement element having a side adapted to be disposed along the inner edge of said arm element for adherence to a matrix disposed in contiguity with embrasures of teeth, said reinforcement element being of sufliciently small cross section to be sub stantially embedded in said matrix, said reinforcement element being of plastic material compatible with and adherable to said matrix material.

6. A clamp device comprising a pair of elongated arms, means for pivotally securing said arms to each other, each of said arms. having matrix reinforcement means carried thereon, said matrix reinforcement means having walls facing each other inwardly between said arms, and matrix means secured to and substantially embedding said matrix reinforcement means and being disposed to be placed in contiguity with teeth embrasures.

7. A clamp device as set forth in claim 6, in combination with an additional clamp device comprising arms spaced from corresponding arms of said first described device, and means extending adjustably and engagea-bly between said clamp devices for maintaining a spaced relation thereof when said clamp devices are clamped in the position whereat the respective matrix means thereof are contiguous with the embrasures of the teeth of upper and lower jaws.

8. A clamp device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said reinforcement means comprises channel members with elongated recesses slidably receiving respective arms for securement thereto by edgewise movement thereon.

9. A clamp device as set forth in claim 8, wherein said channel members are of plastic material compatible with and adherab-le to the material of said matrix means.

10. A clamp device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said reinforcement means is of plastic composition compatible with and adherable to said matrix means.

11. An occlusolator comprising a pair of spaced clamp devices each having generally co-p lanar pivotally connected arms for holding respective matrices in contiguity with teeth embrasures of upper and lower jaws, adjustably engageable means extending intermediate said clamp devices for maintaining predetermined spaced relation thereof when said clamp devices are in position on respective jaws, and at least one of said clamp devices having means extending therefrom for optional attachment to other devices.

12. A device of the class described comprising an elongated arm element, a matrix reinforcement element attached thereto, said reinforcement element having a side disposed along an edge of said arm element, and a matrix disposed along the length of said arm element so as to be contiguous with teeth embrasures, said reinforcement element being substantially embedded in said matrix and being of plastic material compatible with and adherable to the material of said matrix.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 307,579 Palmiter Nov. 4, 1884 1,140,363 Dearth May 25, 1915 1,200,335 Foster Oct. 3, 1916 1,734,398 Phillips Nov. 5, 1929 1,979,493 Salvio Nov. 6, 1934 2,313,535 Glitzke Mar. 9, 1943 2,863,216 Lichtman et a1 Dec. 9, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,035,819 France Apr. 22, 1953 

